To be patient, to refrain from finding fault, from ridiculing, from ribbing, even gently; To be patient, yet firm, steadfast, without recourse to anger, yet not giving in, not buckling, nor breaking. Like the wise oak tree which neither bends nor breaks in the wind, nor grows angry or bitter. It looks at the hands wielding the ax, tries to guess at the needs behind them. Nevertheless it will not break itself, will not willingly lie down, but looks with compassion on its tormentor. It is a third way, beyond anger and passivity. It is a quiet dignity.